The newest Netflix series from India, titled “Black Warrant,” explores the intricate landscape of the infamous Tihar Prison in Delhi, seen through the perspective of a principled prison officer grappling with corruption, brutality, and ethical dilemmas that pervade the institution.
The show is based on the true tale told in “Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer,” written by Sunil Kumar Gupta, who was once a prison officer, and journalist Sunetra Choudhury. It follows a correctional facility officer’s 35-year odyssey through one of India’s notorious prisons as depicted in the book.
A black warrant refers to the permission given to a jailer to carry out the death sentence of a convicted criminal. The show gains credibility from Gupta’s intimate understanding of prison life, accumulated during his tenure where he managed inmates such as Charles Sobhraj, known as ‘Bikini Killer’ and ‘The Serpent’, along with kidnappers Kuljeet Singh, also known as Ranga Khus, and Jasbir Singh, who went by the alias Billa.
The television show was developed by renowned director Vikramaditya Motwane (“Sacred Games”) and writer-director Satyanshu Singh (“Chintu Ka Birthday”). According to Motwane, speaking with EbMaster, “From a dramatic standpoint, the book is filled with one compelling twist after another.” He goes on to say, “Charles Sobhraj’s entrance serves as the initial hook, followed by Ranga’s execution, and then there’s a series of further gripping moments. I find it hard to believe that this is a true story.
For Singh, who delved deeply into studying prison systems, the allure of the project was its comprehensive examination of various societal aspects. “It’s sociology,” he notes, “because it examines life within prisons, but also how it reflects the wider society. It’s political science because it deals with resources, liberty, and justice. It encompasses ethics and moral philosophy as well.
This series showcases an ensemble of actors portraying the notorious Charles Sobhraj. Among them are Zahan Kapoor, Rahul Bhat, Anurag Thakur, Paramvir Singh Cheema, and Sidhant Gupta. The casting for Kapoor was finalized through a blind audition process, while Bhat secured his role following the creators’ appreciation of his performance in the 2023 film “Kennedy” at Cannes.
One standout feature of this show is its intricate depiction of both guards and inmates, a feat accomplished through careful selection of background actors. According to Singh, the supporting and minor characters who portrayed officers and prisoners deserve recognition. “They had little more than their presence,” Singh notes. “Many of them didn’t have any lines at all. They were filming with us every day, from morning till evening. This allowed them to develop a keen understanding of their own inner lives within the prison, which made our jobs much easier,” Singh adds.
Singh emphasizes that not many narratives focus on the experiences of prison officers. He feels it’s important for them to see our show, so they can appreciate someone shedding light on the challenging nature of their job, where they face numerous stressors and lack adequate support.
Title “Black Warrant,” directed by Saumyananda Sahi, showcases unique visual styles for each installment, mirroring the emotional transformation of its central character. Motwane describes the episodes as follows: “The first episode is full of amusement and introduces Tihar’s world; the second is harsh; the third is optimistic; the fourth is emotional; the fifth is even more emotionally charged; the sixth is heart-wrenching.” This strategic design ensures that each episode preserves its individual thematic and tonal essence while contributing to the broader storyline.
Developed collaboratively by Applause Entertainment, Andolan Production, and Confluence Media, this series boasts a skilled directorial team consisting of Motwane, Singh, Arkesh Ajay, Rohin Raveendran Nair, and Ambiecka Pandit. The show seeks to ignite discussions on prison reform, all while delivering an engaging dramatic storyline.
Motwane expresses hope that this series can thrive in various genres, appealing to those who enjoy complex, thought-provoking dramas as well as those who prefer a more melodramatic, entertaining approach. He also mentions that the series was not intended to be overly grim, dark, or excessively intellectual.
Season 1 of ‘Black Warrant’ delves into the story of jailer Gupta set in the year 1984. It marks director Motwane’s comeback on Netflix following ‘Sacred Games’, ‘AK vs AK’, and ‘CTRL’. In an exciting announcement, he hinted at a busy schedule with numerous series and films planned over the next five years. Simultaneously, Singh is working on a horror movie while ensuring the continuation of future seasons for ‘Black Warrant’.
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2025-01-12 13:16